eyeofodin
Berkeley, CA
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Joined: 11/02/2009
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Hi Everybody,
My girlfriend and I just bought a 1979 Ford Midas 1000 (class C) motorhome last night (cross your fingers) and we are feeling quite overwhelmed because we are complete newbies to the RV world. I was able to drive it 130 miles back to where I live last night with no problem and the motor and transmission sounds and feels great. Here is my first question:
I know that every RV is different in the inside and I really wish knobs and switches were labeled for beginners. There is a yellow knob right below the steering wheel, next to the emergency brake that I thought was the switch to turn on the component battery. Well, I pulled out the knob to 'activate' it, and all though I was able to turn on one of the rear overhead lights (which wouldn't turn on when the knob wasn't pulled out), fuel starts gushing out from the back of the RV. It was hard to tell where the leak was coming from because it was pitch black out, but it was definitely gasoline by smell. I guess I am confused what this switch does. Would anybody know? Could this switch possibly been the on switch for the generator instead (we have a generator)? It looks like it was leaking from where the exhaust pipe comes out of the undercarriage of the truck.
Thanks for an responses!!
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southernkilowatt
North Carolina
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Joined: 11/13/2007
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First thing I would do is crawl up under there and see where it was coming from. Then verify if you do have a generator. Open every compartment and every door. You may even consider taking it to a local mechanic you trust to help you go over everything. Have fun finding out what everything does!
Good luck and congrats on the new RV!
Dave
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tafische
Memphis
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Joined: 10/14/2009
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Wow - that is a new one. Does it look factory or added by the previous owner? Only thing that comes to mind is that it is hooked to a fuel pump and used to empty the gas tank to keep fresh fuel in it??
First thing I would be doing is crawling up underneath and see what all is going on. Start tracing wires, etc. I would also check all of your tanks. Heaven forbid someone filled your gravity fill with gas.
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denbroncs
Kent, Ohio
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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We had a 76 Midas - sold it 20 years ago!! I remember a switch under the dash that switched from one fuel tank to the other. It sounds like the prior owner may have removed the 2nd tank. Good luck!!
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Polishnurse
Schodack, NY
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Joined: 03/13/2007
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I have to agree with denbroncs. But having a coach of that old, and in your driveway, is half the battle. What you will want to do next is go threw one item at a time seeing how it works and making sure it works. You might find a friend that knows what is what so say. Checking the from the entry door in. Waste lines, dump valves, water tanks, hot water heater and every thing else. JM2Cents Bill. Been there and done that to many times. LOL.. Good Luck
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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You may want to take it to a local campground for a weekend and ask some of the old timers in the park if they would help you figure out all the goodies. Offer a dinner gift certificate as a thank you if they are able to answer most of your needs.
An RV mechanic at a local RV shop would be the best bet, although more expensive.
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Cruzette
Santa Cruz, CA
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Joined: 01/18/2004
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You need to buy yourself an RV maintenance book. There are numerous books on the market. Do a search on "RV Maintenance books" and I am sure you will get lots of hits.
Here are a couple of resources:
Gary Bunzer, the RV doctor has written a pretty good one, check out his website for more information. RV Doctor
Another great website is RV Education 101
Both websites are a wealth of information and have RV books and videos & DVD's that you can purchase to educate yourself with.
Go camping close to home to try everything out. RVer's are generally a very helpful group of people. If you have questions or problems while out camping, just ask a fellow RVer. We were all newbies at one time too.
Happy camping!
It doesn't matter where you go in life.........it's who you have beside you 
Judy and DH Ray
Boomer & Petie Pie (2 Doxies)
F-350 Powerstroke
34' Cedar Creek 34CKTS
 (Small) (WinCE).JPG)
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The Dunks
Madera, Ca.
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Joined: 08/06/2003
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You can even "camp" in your own drive way a couple of times to try things out!
The Dunks - Terry and Steve
'05 Endeavor - The Oasis
'05 Jeep Grand Cherokee
In God We Trust
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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"You can even "camp" in your own drive way a couple of times to try things out! "
or walmart and get parts as needed !
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
2006 3500RL Montana
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